Key Facts
• The 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition runs from August 14–21, 2025, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
• Gonan Shiba, 73, from Saga City, won the Tokyo Governor’s Award.
• Shiba retired as a dentist three years ago to focus on calligraphy.
• In January 2025, Shiba won the Sankei Newspaper Award at the 41st Sankei International Calligraphy New Year Exhibition.
• Shiba’s award-winning piece is based on the poem “Linjiangxian” by Su Shi, a Northern Song Dynasty poet.
• The artwork features 60 Chinese characters written in three vertical lines to reflect the poem’s emotional flow.
• Shiba admires Su Shi’s ability to convey elegance and emotional depth, even in adversity.
• Shiba aims to continue creating refined and dignified works of art.
Summary
The 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition, held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, awarded the Tokyo Governor’s Prize to Gonan Shiba, a 73-year-old retired dentist from Saga City. Shiba, who has dedicated himself to mastering calligraphy since his retirement, impressed judges with his piece inspired by Su Shi’s poem “Linjiangxian.” The artwork, written in 60 Chinese characters arranged in three vertical lines, captures the emotional flow and elegance of the poem. Shiba expressed gratitude for the recognition and aims to continue creating works of high artistic quality.
